Celebrate: International Women's Day - SHE WILL BE HEARD: After all the Women's Day Celebrations, where to next? - Digital Council Africa
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The Official Newsletter of the Digital Council Africa April 2021 Edition
Celebrate: International
Women’s Day
SHE WILL BE HEARD:
Digital After all the Women’s
Day Celebrations,
Council where to next?
Cloud & Service
Provider Africa
Working Group
(CISPA)
DCDT publishes
its draft Data &
Cloud Policy
Rapid Deployment
of Broadband
Infrastructure
Action Lab Issue #002
WELCOME FROM JUANITA Dear Colleagues, It is with great excitement that we bring you the next edition of Conext, the Digital Council Africa’s official News- letter. The aim of this publication is to let our members know what we have been busy with in the organisation, but also and probably more importantly, to provide a platform to our members to showcase their companies and products. Remember that this belongs to you, our members, and the publication is distributed to more than 10 000 people in sub Saharan Africa. So go on, share a thought leadership piece with us, or send us some infor- mation about your company. In the office we are hard at work on several matters however the one that is currently stealing the lime light must be the draft Data and Cloud Policy that was published by the DCDT on the 1st April. Over the last few weeks we have established a working group to deal with the sector’s response to the direction. Congratulations to Mike Silber and Avela Gronemeyer who were elected as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Working Group. We are now in the process of establishing Sub Committees to discuss and craft a fromal response to the DCDT. A reminder that anyone who wants to participate in this work is welcome to join a sub committee. A warm welcome also to our new board members Moses Mashisane (MTN) and Valencia Risaba (LIT) who have joined the board. We look forward to working with you and want to thank you for giving your time to help guide the organisation. We are also proud to let you know that we recently signed an MOU with BPESA, (Business Process Enabling South Africa) and look forward to a strong collaboration between our two organisations, both of whom have a strong reliance on the digital economy and a vested interest in growing the digital economy. For those that do not know, SA was ranked the Top Global Business Services Location for 2021. No doubt BPESA has played a big role in helping to guide the sector to this number 1 spot. We look forward to finding ways of closer collaboration to grow our respective economies. Another relationship we are very excited about growing is our engagement with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. The Digital Council believes that the digital economy poses incredible opportunity for the continent and remain committed to the inclusion of the youth in the future. Watch this space for more information on this exciting collaboration. Thank you for your ongoing support of the organisation and its work. Without you none of it would be possible. Yours, Juanita Clark CEO
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CONTENT NOTICES 6 What is Conext? Member Webinars AGM IN MEMORY OF 7 Mak Mbelenge & Chose Choeu FROM THE OFFICE 8 Message from the Treasurer Annual Invoicing Member Certificates Database Management Want to feature your company in the upcoming Conext? Member Benefits WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO A warm welcome to our new Board Members 9 A warm welcome to our new Members 11 International Women’s Day 13 CISCO & Broadband Infraco Discussion: Tech Trends of the future 19 India / SA Bi-Lateral Meeting 19 Cloud and Service Provider Africa Working Group (CISPA) 21 Juanita Clark elected as President of the FCGA 21 Communications Africa Interview: Fibre in Africa 22 Rapid Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Action Lab 25 Captains of Industry session with MEC Parks Tau 25 DCA Participates in Infrastructure SA Strategic Planning Session 26 Development of the FTTx sector in SA & Future Prospects discussion 26 National Digital Skills Forum 27 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP She will be heard: After all the Women’s Day Celebrations, where to next? 14 The ICT Industry must work together to attract & retain skill 20 The Golden Cow Of Kenya 32 UPCOMING EVENTS 30 CONTACT US & LOST & FOUND 33
NOTICES
What is Conext?
“CONEXT: a relationship in which a person or thing is
linked or associated with someone or something else.”
In a world that is becoming in- Member engagement is encouraged terest of all, solving complex issues
creasingly digital, it is important to through participation in events and through dialogue and policy rec-
ensure that ongoing engagement working groups and through the dis- ommendations and we encourage
takes place. The Digital Council tribution of the Conext Newsletter. dialogue between government and
Africa strives to remain in contact private sector from a platform that is
with its members, and to provide its The DCA strives to offer members independent and product agnostic.
members with ongoing communi- opportunities to network and col-
cation about its activities. Conext is laborate and discuss best practice STAY CONEXTED. Follow us on
the answer to staying engaged. frameworks that is in the best in- LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook
Member Webinar
The Digital Council invites all members to participate in upcoming webinars, which will focus on key topics
pertaining to the industry. These webinars will be held on an ad-hoc basis via the collaboration platform and will
be communicated via the member mailing list. Please note that members may also request to host a webinar,
provided that the content is relevant and informative.
On April 8th 2021, the DCA hosted a webinar which looked at a deep dive into The 5G Economy and its Poten-
tial. Expert speakers include Dobek Pater from Africa Analysis who presented an overview on their new report
entitled “The Future of 5G in South Africa”, which looks at how the market in SA is expected to evolve given the
many factors impacting 5G network roll-outs and adoption of services. Raf Meersman and Kelly Fournier from
Comsol added to the conversation, bringing a global perspective. Some of the topics presented on included:
• Why is 5G so different from 4G? • Phased rollouts and converged networks: how to be 5G ready
• The role of fibre for 5G ° Building a multi purpose 5G ready network
° Delivering on the 5G promise ° How much fibre? Where?
° Backhaul versus fronthaul and ° Fixed Wireless Access on 5G? When and where?
capacity and latency needs ° What are the challenges as opposed to FTTH?
AGM
Members are invited to attend the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting of the Digital Council Africa.
Date: 18th May 2021
Time: 10:00 to 12:00
Please click here to register. A link for the virtual
meeting will be distributed upon registration.
6 April 2021
In Memory of
Mak Mbelenge
FTTX-DRC Council and its board wishes to inform all interested parties of
the sudden passing on of Mr. Mak Mbelenge who duly served as the Head
of Training Committee and who was instrumental in drafting the adoption
of the Constitution as a founding member of this professional body.
We are extremely saddened by the loss of our friend, colleague and family
member. Mak was a pillar to our launch and was well known in DRC as the
Director of Fibre Solutions a company well deserving of his name.
He succumbed to Covid in the UK on the morning of the 20/02/21.
Digital Council Africa and the board members of the
FTTX Council DRC wish to extend our deepest con-
dolences to his extended family, his wife and the 3
kids that he left behind. We will live to his legacy!
Chose Choeu
Monday, 8th February, 2021 – The ICT Industry and associated bodies in their
entirety would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends
and colleagues of the well revered giant, Mr. Chose Choeu.
Mr Choeu began his career in the late seventies in the education and teach-
ing field. He started out as a teacher in the Kuruman area and because of his
passion for education moved up the ranks to the position of school principal.
Following on from this, he ventured into a new challenge, being the ICT in-
dustry starting out as Senior Manager for Government Relations at Telkom.
Subsequent to that, he again took on a new challenge of being in the regula-
tory arena as the Executive for Regulatory and Government Relations.
He then moved to Microsoft South Africa in 2003 as the Director of Legal and
Corporate Affairs where he worked oncutting-edge business and regulatory
issues in that environment. In 2010 he joined Eskom as the Divisional Execu-
tive for Corporate Affairs.
Because he also understood the evolution of the public policy and the regulatory space to enable technology ad-
vancement for social good, he redefined this function from one specifically focused on legal matters to one which
merged business strategy with public policy. This then allowed for bilateral relations between the private sector and
the public service to collaborate in the battle against the Triple Challenges of Poverty Inequality and Unemployment
facing the country and continent. He was therefore a trailblazer in this space and allowed for those that followed in
his footsteps in the entire industry to have a template of how it should be done. He also served on various boards
including Chairman of the Eskom Development Foundation Board, Chairman of the Performance Management and Re-
muneration Panel of SALGA and President of the International Chamber of Commerce, amongst others.
His death will leave a great void in the sector but his contribution has significantly shaped the ICT sector as we know
it today. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew him.
May his blessed soul rest in eternal peace.
April 2021 7
FROM THE OFFICE
Message from the Treasurer
Dear Members
As a not-for-profit, the DCA is reliant on membership fees to effectively run the
organisation. In this regard, we ask members whose fees are outstanding to make
payment ensuring certainty in the execution of the budget.
Thank you to all member companies who already made payments for the 2021/2022
membership year and thank you for your continued support.
Annual Invoicing
The Council’s bookkeepers have issued the annual invoices for the 2021/2022 membership year.
If you have not received this by now, kindly reach out to Reesha Iyer at reesha@digitalcouncil.africa.
Please take note of the adjustment in fees to the SMME/Institutional/Individual category.
Member Certificates
Member Certificates for 2021 will be issued to members whose fees are up to date.
Please reach out to Reesha Iyer at reesha@digitalcouncil.africa to request a certificate for your organisation.
Database Management
To ensure that the relevant people in your organisation are receiving our communications, continually update
the contact details of the individuals that should be added to the Council member database.
These details can be sent to Reesha Iyer at reesha@digitalcouncil.africa
Want to feature your company in the upcoming Conext?
Reminders will be sent from the office to submit your feature. All members are encouraged to participate and
showcase their company in Conext.
Contributions can be sent to Nadene Reignier at nadene@digitalcouncil.africa
Member Benefits
By joining the Digital Council Africa members have a competitive advantage because they become informed
members of their industry as the council actively engages and represents its members at government level.
Council members who lead busy professional lives can depend on the organisation to represent and brief them
on important industry trends, new legislative rulings, and advances in technology. The main platform the Digital
Council Africa (DCA) uses for this is through its annual conference. This event aims to attract C-level speakers and
best of breed OEM’s and distributors to keep industry informed and updated on the latest trends in technology
and legislation.
To find out more visit our website.
CONEXT Conference 2021
5 DAYS - 5 STREAMS
4-8 OCTOBER 2021 Monday - Fibre
Tuesday - 5G
Digital Wednesday - Cloud & Data
Council Thursday - Cyber Security & Governance
1000+ Delegates from across the African continent • 60 Speakers Friday - IoT & Edge
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Welcome
A warm welcome to our new Board Members
VALENCIA RISABA
Valencia is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. A
seasoned commercial lawyer and capable manager with over 15 years of
experience, 8 of which were in the Telecoms industry, she currently heads
up Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Services at Liquid Telecom South
Africa. She has served in legal and Regulatory roles in both the public and
private sector, having worked in various capacities for a large State-Owned
Entity (Eskom), and has a proven track record in the Telecoms sector in South
Africa and African markets such as Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania.
Key areas of expertise include Commercial Law, Legal due diligence in major
funding transactions, Labour law, Regulation, Stakeholder Management and
Corporate Governance.
Valencia holds BProc and LLB degrees from the University of the
Witwatersrand, a Higher Diploma in Corporate Law as well as a Masters’
degree in Business Leadership from UNISA.
MOSES MASHISANE
Moses Mashisane is the General Manager for Legal and Regulatory Affairs at
MTN South Africa.
Previous to joining MTN Moses was a Council Advisor at the Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
Moses joined MTN as Head of Regulatory Affairs for MTN Nigeria. He also
worked as GM Regulatory Affairs at MTN Irancell.
Moses has extensive legal and regulatory experience and will be a great
asset to the Digital Council Africa board and will provide excellent guidance
on compliance issues and other regulatory developments affecting plans
and programs of the Digital Council Africa and its members on matters
which is legal or regulatory in nature.
April 2021 9
a member of the group
Empowering YOU To Connect Communities
Wi-Fi Networking
VoIP Security
10 April 2021
sales@miro.co.za | www.miro.co.zaWHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Hello
A warm welcome to our new Members
Maluleke Telecoms is a Level-1 BBBEE service provider for Telecommu-
nications Infrastructure and was founded in 2015. We are a full turnkey
service provider for Fibre Optic Infrastructure. Our services include feasi-
bility studies, site survey, planning, civil build, cable termination and proj-
r Telecommunications Infrastructure and wasect commissioning. Over the past 6 years we have proved our capability
or Fibre Optic Infrastructure. Our services of delivering high quality services and being reliable. This is what sets us
, cable termination and project commissioning.
apart from our competitors.
elivering high quality services and being
At Maluleke Telecoms, our values are what define and guide us, and we
realize that our success and sustainability depends on them. It is for this
ide us, and we realize that our success and reason that we strive to always abide by our values. We believe that being
Ethical, Professional and Excellent in providing our services and interact-
we strive to always abide by our values. We
ing with our clients will allow us to secure long-lasting relationships with
roviding our services and interacting with our our clients. With that said, we promise our clients that they will always get
ith our clients. With that said, we promise ourvalue for their money.
MTD Civils and Network Planning is a full turnkey FTTx specialist with
extensive knowledge in fibre networks including civils work for overhead
solutions, trenched solutions, maintenance, and installations. They are
an owner-managed company established in 2015 and based in Gauteng
province.
MTD offers a range of services including wayleave applications, planning
and building overhead or trenched fibre solutions to installations, tailor-
ing services to meet their clients’ needs.
Helios Towers (HT) owns and operates telecommunications towers and
passive infrastructure in five high-growth African markets. Our principal
business lies in building, acquiring and operating telecommunications
towers that are capable of accommodating and powering the needs of
multiple tenants.
These tenants are typically large MNOs and other telecommunications
providers who in turn provide wireless voice and data services, primarily
to end-consumers and businesses. We also offer comprehensive tow-
er-related operational services, including site selection, site preparation,
maintenance, security and power management. We provide space on
their tower sites under a combination of master lease agreements (MLAs),
which provide the commercial terms that govern the provision of tower
space, and individual site agreements (ISAs), which act as an appendix to
the relevant MLA and include site-specific information. We also enter into
ground lease agreements with property owners to host our sites on their
land.
April 2021 1112 April 2021
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
EQUALITY FREEDOM
8 March is the day that glob- to equal education is not a priv-
ally we celebrate the progress ilege, it’s a right. Access to equal
that we have made in terms of promotion is not a privilege, it’s EQUALITY ISN’T
gender inclusion. We consider a right and access to equal pay is A PRIVILEGE,
the progress that has been made not a privilege, it’s a right. We need IT’S A RIGHT
and the work that remains to be to reset the way we think about
done. things and make sure that we do it
right going forward. I do not know
Even in 2021 women and girls a single woman that wants to be
are more likely to be poor, un- employed simply because she is
able to get an education, and not a woman. I do know woman that
have the same career opportuni- want to be employed because they
ties or access to funding. Women are the best candidate.
are still the victims of domestic
violence, sexual abuse, and hu- So for every employer out there,
man trafficking and exploitation, here is my dare today: So, next
and although this is changing, time you read a CV, delete the
we have a long way to go. name of the candidate of the
CV’s and recruit and promote the
For those that know anything person that is best for the job and
about the organisation, you secondly, institute a policy that
know that the rights of wom- will enforce equal pay.
en and the you girl is a matter
that is close to our hearts. You Thirdly, tell us about it. We want
will also know that I believe in to honour you and your company
getting things done, not just talk so you will attract the best candi-
about it. dates! If you are already doing it,
we salute you! Let us know who
This conversation is not just by you are!
woman, for woman. Every man,
woman, boy and girl has to ac- Juanita Clark | Chief Executive |
knowledge that equality is not Digital Council Africa
a privilege, it’s a right. Access
April 2021 13THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
SHE WILL BE HEARD:
After all the Women’s Day Celebrations, where to next?
by Phumza Dyani
The sound of women spread like One thing we have learnt to
fire across the globe and was recognise as women is that our “Some women get erased
unmistakably audible this year voices are so powerful and can
a little at a time, some all
with a resounding message of, ‘less create the change we want to
talk’ and ‘more action’, across the see. What is important is to take
at once. Some reappear.
board. What we have learnt is that the same messages shared in Every woman who appears
the plight of women was magnified the International Womens’ Day wrestles with the forces
significantly by the pandemic. platforms to our individual lives, that would have her
At the same time, this phase our Corporates, organisations
dissappear. She struggles
proved to be the greatest unifier as well as Boards. We need to
through global actions of women personalise them and to further
with the forces that would
participating in platforms never interrogate things that are of tell her story for her, or
thought of before. It also taught concern to us which we say write her out of the stpry,
us the importance of an amplified nothing about. We need to look at the genealog, the rights of
voice and message from women how our bodies respond to these
man, the rule of law. The
globally. and find a language for them to
Let us never forget that women bring them to the fore. The time to
ability to tell your own
are at the cornerstone of society, be a bystander on issues affecting story in words or images, is
women are not just in the kitchen women is over. What affects alreasy a victory, already a
anymore, they have been most of another woman affects all of us revolt.” Rebecca Solnit, Men
the Angels showing up during the and we need to bring the different
Explaining Things to Me.
Covid19 war in the most obscure perspectives, cultures, and context
corridors of society, at war to to these conversations. The more
save lives. Why then, does this it is heard, whether through Talks,
significance does not translate writing, music, poetry, the more
into harder conversations about it makes a shift in the world that
equality, surely, we are not a ‘Enough is Enough’.
society that says a female life is of
less importance than a male life. Or
is that what we are saying?
14 April 2021Continue to raise way he did this was irking me, but
I held back, deciding to see where
be a Chairperson of this Movement.
It would have killed the energy of
your Voice. this would end. At some point, it what we were attempting to form
By raising our voice, we bring was just unbearable for me. I had here. It would have marked that we
this into conscience what is to intervene and point out my are doing all of what we are doing
acceptable and what is not. We unappreciation for the manner for window-dressing and nothing
need women lawyers to be more he was doing this. To my surprise, would, infact, change. What she
vocal, educate and assist the nobody in the room saw anything saw in action was the endorsement
rest of us with what legislations wrong with his approach except for that we build these structures to
and policies that need to change me and the lady involved. This is drive not only change for us but
to support women. We need where I could have left it off. I said, for generations to come. That on
businesswomen to come up I am sorry, you may not see this its own requires us to be authentic
with ideas and solutions of how antagonistic approach that is being and truthful.
to better assist women become used in these questions, but I see
independent, creating businesses it and I feel it. As a Senior in this
Recognise the
room and the only woman that can
and earn their own keep. We need
teachers to create curriculum point this out, I cannot continue contribution some
that will assist us in progressing and say it is ok. It is not ok. There men are making.
the education of women and is a way to raise points and a way
We must recognise the men
men. The International Women’s a person is made to feel like they
that are showing fairness and
Forum is advocating for Havard to are being cross questioned in a
supporting women either through
introduce a curriculum on Gender court of Law. I cannot sit by and
behavior, actions and support
Parity. Every woman is a potential not point that out. To my surprise,
that they too are playing a role
Advocate for change, this work the Senior gentleman in the room
in driving for a change. We need
should not be left to just Activists acknowledged that there is a long
to encourage and educate them
or major Events. way to go in learning as well as
as to where they can do more.
unlearning certain behaviours. He
What we need to recognise is
‘I am not free while any woman is was open to learn.
that the real fight is not against
unfree, even when her shackles are In hindsight, I reflect on the
men but for equal treatment of
very different from my own’ - Audre message I would have sent to
women. In the celebrations, my
Lorde. this bright young lady who was
consistent question was, ‘Where
courageous enough to stand and
Do not miss the
opportunity to call
things out.
Secondly, we need to speak
whenever we see behaviours that
perpetuate inequality around
us. One day at our Exco, which is
predominantly 80% male, we had
a lady presenting a particularly
important piece of work which
was critical to establishing a
Woman’s movement within the
organisation. We had a young
gentleman that had an interest in
this document and kept on asking
questions, which sounded helpful
initially. As time went on, I became
uncomfortable with the extent of
the interrogation vs his reactions to
others in the past. The tone and the
April 2021 15THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
are the men and what are they change. Women need to also, perceived to be powerful. It called
choosing to challenge. Are they independently, seek for spaces of for all of us to, with fierceness, face
willing to challenge themselves influence and not lose sight of the those we perceive to be powerful
to understand that this is a bigger purpose they are there for. and in turn suppressing who we
war than themselves and what they are.
‘Above all, be the heroine of your life,
contribute adds to the tapestry that
not the victim.’ Nora Ephron
is important for this time?’ Stay true to who
President Biden’s composition of
his team as well as the statements Accountability you are.
he made boldly placed his mouth for change. ‘You had power all along my dear’
where his money is at. It was a Glinda the Good Witch The Wizard
living action of inclusiveness and Now I have been part of many of Oz
not just lip-service. We are forever Women development focused
organisations and at times, it is A powerful lesson for this
grateful to the countries that have
a tragedy to see that there is an time is that there is a great need
led this message and look to others
expectation for leadership to drive for a female energy leadership,
to follow suit.
the change. Each one has a role to especially at these times where the
play in effecting change, however world is calling for fair, inclusive
Equal voice in small their contribution may be. recovery. We have learned that we
decision making, In the true words of Chimamanda are perfect in our imperfections
and the female leader needs to
more bold and Ngozi Adichie, We should all
be feminists: ‘I have chosen to appear in her true strength of
intentional moves to no longer be apologetic for my femininity, nurturing and unifier.
make the change. femaleness and my femininity. And Despite the world having told us
we are not adequate, not strong
I want to be respected in all my
What we need to recognise more femaleness because I deserve to enough, not good enough, we are
of, I quote from one of my most be.’ May we all arise to this noble in fact Perfect!
powerful interviews on my Podcast: calling knowing that our daughters
She-Unleashed with Modesta are dependent on the actions we
Mahiga-Mbughuni - ‘A woman take to have a future where they
who has agency in her voice, is are respected, treated as equals
earning her own income and is and allowed to thrive.
able to influence things, is going
to have a different conversation Choose to Challenge.
in her homestead and society vs
‘I love to see a young girl go out and
a woman who doesn’t, and feels
grab the world by the lapels. Life is
is at the mercy of her home and
a bitch. You have got to go out and
community’. It has never been
kick ass’ Maya Angelou.
more important to have deeper
conversations on the types of Mergan Markle was the epitome
movements we need to be part of strength in this year, where
of to be effective. We need to a woman took on one of the
lobby and vote for more women most powerful institutions ever
in influential positions to drive andrefused to be silenced by those
‘I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the
lapels. Life is a bitch. You have got to go out and kick ass’
Maya Angelou.
Phumza Dyani
16 April 2021ICT
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April 2021 17MetroFibre Networx
MetroFibre Networx revolutionised fibre for African Rainbow Capital, management and others.
business in South Africa when it became SA’s We are a proud, home grown company where
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2.0) open access fibre network, connecting cloud, integrity and teamwork are part of our DNA.
application, voice and Internet service providers MetroFibre Networx is actively involved in and
with their customers in 2010. members of our industry bodies - the MEF Forum
and the Digital Council Africa.
Today, MetroFibre is a South African ICASA-licensed
open access fibre network operator and internet We take our role seriously when shaping and
service provider to many of SA’s leading blue-chip promoting best practice to provide world class
companies, multinationals, SMEs and thousands of connectivity for our customers. We are immensely
connected residential customers. proud of the facilitating role we play in making our
country and cities more connected and integrated
As a rapidly growing business, powered by places to work, live, transact, learn and engage. It’s
passionate and committed people who are making a bright and exciting technology-enabled future,
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087 151 4000 | info@metrofibre.co.za | www.metrofibre.co.za
18 April 2021WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
CISCO and Broadband
Infraco Roundtable
Juanita Clark
Digital Council Africa Discussion
Postnet Suite #477
Private Bag X1007
Tech Trends of the
Lyttelton future
0140
On 24th March Juanita participated in the Tech
Trends of the future Roundtable Discussion.
Some of the topics discussed during this engaging
By email: juanita@digitalcouncil.africa digital webinar were:
Unpacking, with industry experts, the tech trends
that will significantly contribute to a transformation
15 March 2021 of society and grow the economy. These trends will
significantly change the way we work, live and play!
COVID-19 has shown us that it is difficult to predict
Invitation to Participate in the CISCO and Broadband Infraco Tech Trends of the future
or define exactly what our future looks like, we
Roundtable Discussion have had to adapt to a digital way of life at a much
faster pace than before. This pandemic has however
accelerated digital transformation and it has become
Dear Ms. Clark apparent that it not just the workplace that will rely
heavily on technology. Organizations will pursue
We have had to adapt to a digital way of life at a muchdigitalfaster
investments
pace that
thanwill enableCOVID-19
before, the companyhasto
achieve its goals and deliver value faster, better, and
shown us that it is difficult to predict or define exactly what our future looks like. This pandemic
more competitively.
has however accelerated digital transformation and it has become apparent that it not just the
workplace that will rely heavily on technology. Organizations will pursue digital investments
that will enable the company to achieve its goals and deliver value faster, better, and more
competitively.
India / SA
Bi-Lateral
The goal of our roundtable discussion is to unpack with industry experts the tech trends that
will significantly contribute to a transformation of society and grow the economy.
Meeting
Thankjoined
Juanita you for joining
BPESA, us a speaker
a not-for-profit for that
company thisserves
insightful
as thedialogue, weand
industry body believe that your for
trade association voice will
Global
be a critical
Business Servicesaddition to thisand
in South Africa, conversation. Please
NASSCOM, the premier save
trade bodythe
anddate for ofthis
chamber engaging
commerce of thedigital
Tech
industry in India, as a speaker at an event aimed at exposing Indian based organisations to Africa as a growth will
webinar where you and your fellow panelists will share insights into tech trends that
significantly
and change
collaboration market.the
Theway
focuswe work,the
is across live andBusiness
Global play! Services Sector with a lens on ITES (IT enabled
Services), Digital and ITO (IT Outsourcing). The session took place on 10th February 2021 from 10am – 12pm.
Serving the international and domestic markets BPESA promotes domestic and foreign investment into the
Global Business Services Sector in South Africa and works with its partners to stimulate economic growth, new
job creation and skills development.
April 2021 19THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The ICT Industry must work
together to attract and retain skills
A
study
study estimates
estimates that that South
South Africa
Africa has has a a skills
skills
shortage of close to 70,000 ICT professionals
shortage of close to 70,000 ICT professionals
which
which is is further
further exacerbated
exacerbated by by thethe drop
drop in in
students
students pursuing qualifications in this field.
pursuing qualifications in this field. This
This at
at
a time when these industries are becoming ever more crucial
a time when these industries are becoming ever more crucial
to
to meet
meet the the future
future needsneeds of of our
our increasingly
increasingly digitaldigital societies.
societies.
There
There is a growing need for companies within the
is a growing need for companies within the sector
sector to to
invest
invest more
more in in attracting
attracting and and retaining
retaining people
people not not onlyonly for
for
their
their own
own organizations
organizations but but also
also for
for their
their sectors
sectors as as a a whole.
whole.
The most recent SA ICT Skills survey highlighted this
The most recent SA ICT Skills survey highlighted this
shortage
shortage and and stressed
stressed the the importance
importance of of co-ordinated
co-ordinated efforts efforts
to
to cover the various industry niches that must be
cover the various industry niches that must be resourced.
resourced.
Making
Making the the sector
sector more more attractive
attractive and and rewarding
rewarding to to work
work
in,
in, as well as joint efforts to develop the required skills, puts
as well as joint efforts to develop the required skills, puts
a
a renewed
renewed focus focus on on human
human resources:
resources: we we mustmust be be more
more
deliberate
deliberate in in our
our people
people management
management practices practices to to secure
secure our our
long-term success.
long-term success.
People
People are are often
often recognized
recognized as as the
the greatest
greatest assets
assets of of
organizations
organizations and are crucial to the achievement of
and are crucial to the achievement of business
business
strategy.
strategy. An An article
article on on the
the WEFWEF website
website goes goes as as far
far as
as toto
say that people are what set successful companies apart
say that people are what set successful companies apart
from
from their
their peers.
peers. As As people
people standards
standards and and practices
practices evolve,
evolve,
it
it is vitally important for any organization to assess
is vitally important for any organization to assess its its
competence
competence and and performance
performance objectivelyobjectively in in this
this area.
area.
Without
Without external measurements, such as external
external measurements, such as external
benchmarking
benchmarking and and comparisons
comparisons against against peers,
peers, it it is
is easy
easy forfor
an
an organisation to lose touch with what is happening in
organisation to lose touch with what is happening in its
its Portia Thokoane, Chief Human Capital Officer at DFA
industry Portia Thokoane, Chief Human Capital Officer at DFA
industry or or thethe larger
larger market;
market; it it could
could soon
soon findfind itself
itself losing
losing
valuable
valuable skills
skills andand struggling
struggling to to replace
replace them.
them.
The
The factors that could lead to this
factors that could lead to this often
often lielie beyond
beyond salary though
salary though theythey were
were on on site
site became
became a a major
major differentiator
differentiator in in
and
and benefit comparisons and may not always be easy
benefit comparisons and may not always be easy to how
how the pandemic impacted employee productivity and
the pandemic impacted employee productivity
to and
pinpoint.
pinpoint. Factors
Factors which which were were often
often overlooked
overlooked in in the
the past engagement.
past engagement. This This meant
meant notnot onlyonly providing
providing the
the necessary
necessary
have
have become key focus areas as organizations realize the
become key focus areas as organizations realize tools
tools for remote work but also beefing up remote IT
for remote work but also beefing up remote
the IT support
support
value
value of of taking
taking betterbetter carecare of of their
their employees
employees and and ensuring and
and cybersecurity. And it meant taking measures to mitigate
cybersecurity. And it meant taking measures to
ensuring mitigate
that
that they
they areare fully
fully engaged.
engaged. For For example,
example, research
research by by the
the Top the
Top the emotional
emotional and and psychological
psychological impact impact of of being
being isolated
isolated from
from
Employers Institute highlights the increased consciousness normal work life.
Employers Institute highlights the increased consciousness normal work life.
brought
brought aboutabout by by social
social movements,
movements, such such as as Black
Black Lives When
Lives When DFA DFA embarked
embarked on on itsits journey
journey to to be
be recognized
recognized
Matter,
Matter, that have also spurred organizations on towards
that have also spurred organizations on as
as a Top Employer, we knew that, in addition to
a Top Employer, we knew that, in addition
towards to being
being an an
putting
putting diversity
diversity and and inclusion
inclusion at at the
the forefront
forefront of of people opportunity
opportunity to attain a status as a company that is
to attain a status as a company that
people is concerned
concerned
practices.
practices. In the same way, the drive for gender diversity
In the same way, the drive for gender diversity and about
and about itsits people
people practices,
practices, it it would
would give give us
us an
an understanding
understanding
equality
equality means
means that that organizations
organizations must must paypay more
more attention of
of what we needed to do better. Being a part of
what we needed to do better. Being a part
attention of the
the ICT
ICT
to
to their
their people
people practices
practices in in this
this area
area too. sector,
sector, we felt that being certified as a Top Employer would
we felt that being certified as a Top Employer
too. would
Employers
Employers are also realizing the
are also realizing the need
need forfor purpose
purpose and contribute
and contribute to to boosting
boosting the the appeal
appeal of of the
the industry
industry as as aa
fulfilment
fulfilment as well as development and growth –
as well as development and growth – making potential
making potential field
field of
of study
study and
and career
career path.path.
sure
sure that
that they
they support
support their their people
people to to be
be the
the best
best they
they can Of
Of course, being one of a handful
course, being one of a
can handful of of companies
companies in in our
our
be.
be. Apart from formal programmes and avenues to promote
Apart from formal programmes and avenues to sector with this certification is not the end – we also
promote sector with this certification is not the end – we also
well-being
well-being and and development,
development, simple simple communication
communication with hope
with hope that
that it
it would
would encourage
encourage the the rest
rest of
of the
the fantastic
fantastic
managers
managers and team members is one of
and team members is one of the
the major
major ways ways to ICT
ICT companies out there to follow suit and show
companies out there to follow suit and
to show their
their
maintain
maintain awareness
awareness of of some
some of of the
the key
key factors
factors thatthat may commitment
may commitment towards towards excellence
excellence in in people
people practices.
practices. We We must
must
affect
affect people
people and and their
their performance. work together to ensure that our industry has the valuable
performance. work together to ensure that our industry has the valuable
In
In 2020 specifically, organizations’
2020 specifically, organizations’ ability ability to to ensure
ensure that people
that people it it needs
needs to to sustain
sustain itself
itself and
and thrive
thrive well
well into
into the
the future.
future.
employees
employees were able to continue to work as smoothly as
were able to continue to work as smoothly as
For more information on our state-of-the-art wholesale connectivity, visit www.dfafrica.co.za.
For more information on our state-of-the-art wholesale connectivity, visit www.dfafrica.co.za.WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
CLOUD AND SERVICE PROVIDER AFRICA WORKING
GROUP (CISPA)
DCDT publishes its draft Data and Cloud Policy
The Digital Council has established the Cloud and Service Provider Africa Working Group (CISPA) to develop
and support the adoption of an integrated reporting framework which seeks to support industry stakehold-
ers with a vested interest in the Cloud and Data environments and to:
• Develop and publish a sector position on the Draft Data and Cloud Policy which was published by the
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies on the 1st April 2021;
• and to develop and publish a common industry stakeholder point of view;
• and make clear the position of the sector by engaging government and other key stakeholders on as-
pects relating to the Data and Cloud policy environment;
At a meeting held on 13th April 2021, Mike Silber, Group Chief
Regulatory Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies was ap-
pointed as Chair and Avela Gronemeyer, Health & Public Service:
Digital Transformation & Innovation at Accenture was appointed
as Vice Chair.
The Digital Council will provide ongoing support to the Chair and
Vice Chair and will facilitate, on behalf of the sector, workshops
and meetings as may be necessary to achieve its objectives.
Should you wish to participate in this working group, please
email reesha@digitalcouncil.africa.
Juanita Clark elected as
President of the FCGA
The FTTH Councils Global Alliance (FCGA) is a platform of the six
global FTTH Councils in Americas, Latam, Europe, MENA, Africa and
APAC. Since 2011, they all ensure that regional commitments are always combined with the power of global
co-operation. As part of this a new President is elected every year to chair the initiative and to help develop
global initiatives and projects. As part of the Presidential term they identify a project which they will aim to
deliver during their tenure. During the 2021 general meeting Juanita Clark was elected to serve as Presi-
dent for the 2021 term. As part of her term Juanita has elected to focus on the impact of the pandemic on
the future of work and demand for broadband services. Globally the COVID19 pandemic has forced many
companies into remote-work arrangements in an attempt to curb the pandemic. Many companies now face
complicated decisions pertaining to whether their staff will return to work, remain at home, or somewhere
in the middle.
The Digital Council Africa, in collaboration with its FCGA partners, has embarked on a global study to better
understand how companies are viewing the issue of Work From Home and what that will mean for demand.
The results of the study will be presented at a global webinar accommodating 2 time zones. Please watch
this space for more information on the webinar and results.
April 2021 21WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Fibre in Africa
Juanita was interviewed by Communications Africa.
Published bi-monthly for over 20 years, Communications Africa is the leading pan-African communications mag-
azine. Its editorial covers telecoms, broadcast and convergence subjects, in both English and French. The maga-
zine is distributed to technical, commercial and government executives, involved in telecoms and broadcasting,
throughout the continent. Every issue includes reports on key industry events and analysis of local, national and
regional developments in the telecoms and broadcast sectors.
Q Despite the dominance of wire- has resulted in many more cables have to manage the costs associat-
less in much of Africa, there seems being deployed, connecting Africa ed with approvals, and standardise
to be more optimism that fibre to to every corner of the world. With- so that companies can plan more
the home or premises could have out them the terrestrial fibre indus- effectively. Although we have
a role in Africa’s communications try certainly would not be where it come a long way there is still much
future. Why is this? is today. needed work to be done to remove
cumbersome processes and costs
A Fibre is often seen only in the Q Has the regulatory landscape so we can move faster.
context of FTTH and whether there improved in recent years?
is a business case for end to end Q How about cost? Is rollout be-
fibre networks, but fibre also forms A It has been very slow but we coming easier as economies of
a part of mobile communications are beginning to see significant scale bring costs down?
network architecture as well. As change now. As with the rest of the
more people in Africa come online, world the COVID19 pandemic have A Costs have come down signifi-
there is a greater need to deploy played a big role in highlighting the cantly certainly due to economies
backhaul infrastructure to accom- need for fibre optic infrastructure. of scale, but Fibre Network Opera-
modate demand. For a long time many governments tors have also learnt some lessons
– and investors - viewed the telco and have become significantly
Q How has the arrival of subsea sector as an ‘either/or’– either you more efficient in adopting cost ef-
cables helped the development of provide mobile communications fective deployment methodologies
FTTx? or you provide fibre communica- and adjusting their deployment
tions, and many people believed strategy in general. Also, as govern-
A Ofcourse the early disrupters and touted Africa to be the mobile ments attitude towards the appli-
took great risks when they built continent. Today we know that the cations and approvals sped up it
sub-marine cables as take-up was two technologies cannot be sep- has helped projects move forward
not as clear cut as they might have arated and that they heavily rely and planning to become more sta-
liked, a Decade or so ago, most on each other. It has taken a lot of ble. The maturity of the regulatory
fibre network operators worked on education but we are getting there. market has a definite impact on the
the premise of ‘build it and they What we still need is for policies to total cost of ownership.
will come’. Most of them have been be developed that will enable the
incredibly successful and today we rapid deployment of infrastructure. Q What technological develop-
know that the arrival of sub-marine As with most other countries in the ments are making fibre more effec-
cables have played a significant world there are still issues with ob- tive to use and roll out?
role in providing the capacity for taining rights of way (wayleaves),
African consumers to connect to and there are too many diverse
A Many companies have certainly
the rest of the world, at speeds, learnt that there is a place for oth-
policies in place or no policy at all.
and prices, never seen before. The er methodologies such as aerial
It slows down the pace at which
demand has been staggering and deployment. Although we would
companies can deploy. Also, we
22 April 2021like to see every meter of fibre de- ly encouraging business to adopt that fibre is deployed at scale.The
ployed below ground, for obvious WFH strategies. The price of FTTH greatest challenge is that every
benefits, it simply does not support service continues to decline as the country is at its own stage and
the business case in the more rural take rate increase, and currently, needs ongoing engagement and
areas. especially in South Africa, the price support and this requires an im-
point compares very favourably in mense amount of capacity to help
Q Is the African end user market comparison with mobile data. change this.
for fibre mainly business-based or
are there ways to make fibre to the Q What other challenges need to Q What do you see as your role
home affordable? be overcome to bring more broad- in bringing digital connectivity to
band services to more Africans? more Africans?
A The FTTH market is showing
substantial growth and demand A Africa faces many challenges, A Digital disruption is challenging
continues to increase, especially many of them socio economic. the status quo of traditional indus-
since the pandemic hit us. FTTH Unfortunately many governments tries, generating a continuous flow
providers have seen demand in- still think that connectivity is the of innovation and new technol-
crease by as much as 40% and least of their problems. Therefore ogies affecting stakeholders and
this is expected to continue as the fibre landscape varies widely industry. The Digital Council Africa
Work From Home becomes the in Africa which makes it a chal- works to raise awareness for the
norm for many people. We are also lenge to isolate a single issue to be potential of the digital economy
expecting fibre to start reaching overcome. In more mature markets and our members are deeply com-
more rural towns as people exit the there are very different challeng- mitted to ensuring that every Afri-
major cities since they do not have es to markets that have just had can is included and can enjoy the
to report to a office anymore. This a cable land. Sharing of lessons benefitsof the digital economy.
tendence will have a major impact across Africa is very important as is
on urbanisation, and we are strong- ongoing policy changes to ensure
April 2021 23CREATING WHAT
CONNECTS US
Connectivity enables an enormous range of additional
capabilities. Every industry either directly depends
on, or hugely benefits from, the proliferation of
smartphones – primarily because people who’ve
never had a bank account or a secure way to save,
transfer, and invest money now have all of that in the
palm of their hands.
Dura-Line has been physical build-out of this new technology realm that
there every step of the impacts education, healthcare, agriculture, energy,
way. We started out in the U.S. transportation, industry, and more.
as just a small extrusion company in Middlesboro, Dura-Line is transforming the limits of infrastructure
Kentucky, but have grown to over 20 locations with continuous innovation.
worldwide, including Canada, India, Oman, and
• Unmatched innovation with high-density
Europe. We don’t know everything about everything,
polyethylene (HDPE) products
just everything there is to know about HDPE conduit.
Our staff of highly trained and specialized engineers • Industry leader in technical knowledge
have been hands-on problem-solving with the • Large footprint with 20+ manufacturing locations
telecommunications industry since the dawn of cell spread across the globe
phones. Dura-Line is at the forefront of the industry
creating strategic solutions that solve the issue of • Diverse customer base serving the largest
the unpredictable needs of tomorrow’s fiber cable telecommunication service providers and power
requirements. utilities
As a TL 9000 and ISO 9001 rated manufacturer, • Experience in handling contracts with large
Dura-Line takes pride in our state-of-the-art quality companies
products and being recognized a key partner with all • Financial stability, with backing from parent
of the major telecommunications companies across company, Orbia
the world.
• ISO9001 and TL9000 registered
In one year, Dura-Line produced over 1.4 billion
feet of digital network infrastructure. Through
our innovative product solutions and unparalleled
customer insight, we are the ones who enable the
You can count on the same contact person, service, and
reliability you’ve counted on for years, but now with even
more global expertise to serve your Datacom needs.
Mavhungu Mushiana
Mavhungu.mushiana@duraline.com | +27 11 708 1659
9 Ampere Close, Kya Sand, Randburg,
Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa www.duraline.com
24 April 2021WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
DISCUSSION
Rapid Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure
Action Lab
The Gauteng Province, the Public digital access rapidly adjusted their key component contributing to
Private Growth Initiative, in part- living and work patterns; however the President’s priority to ensure
nership with the Digital Council those without were further mar- digital access for all and in turn
Africa and Harambee Youth Em- ginalised. This trend is expected inclusion in the digital economy.
ployment Accelerator, participat- to continue globally as work and
ed in the next GPG Action Lab to learning from home increases in The aim of the collaboration is to
discuss the Rapid Deployment of the next few years. This poses a remove blockages and stimulate in-
Broadband Infrastructure. great threat to the country and vestment in broadband infrastruc-
may dramatically increase the gap ture to under-serviced township
This initiative by the Gauteng Prov- between high income and low-in- areas of Gauteng Province. In order
ince will see GPG take the lead in come communities, including the for this project to be successful,
deploying cost effective broadband digital divide. effective implementation is key.
infrastructure to under-serviced
township areas within the provinces. A reset that opens the digital world Much of the groundwork has been
to all South Africans is vital, but done to address this and a draft
Access to technology and connec- this will require innovative and broadband deployment framework
tivity became a defining feature of cost-effective solutions, with the has been developed for consider-
effective responses to COVID-19 public and private sectors working ation by the Action Lab.
and the lockdown. Those with in collaboration. This project is a
Captains of Industry session with MEC Parks Tau
Juanita was a speaker at the Gauteng Provincial Government Captains of
Industry session hosted by MEC Parks Tau. She joined Evan Jones from
BPESA, Tanya Cohen from the PPGI and several other high profile speakers
as they discussed the work they are doing in collaboration with the
Gauteng Provincial Government Economic Development.
Juanita focussed on the Province’s Rapid Deployment of Broadband strat-
egy that they have been developing in conjunctions with SEA (Strategy
Execution Advisors) which is built on 4 Focus areas which aims to remove
barriers to entry.
The Digital Council Africa will host a session with its members to present
the strategy as soon as the final presentation is approved by the Office of
the Premier. It is now in its final phase considering execution and associat-
ed project KPI’s.
April 2021 25WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Digital Council Africa Participates in
Infrastructure South Africa Strategic
Planning Session
In November 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment
of the Infrastructure and Investment Office in the Presidency and in May 2020
cabinet confirmed the establishment of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) as part
of approving the South African Investment Plan.
THE PRESIDENCY ISA is now deemed the single point of entry for all infrastructure projects and
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA the custodian of the comprehensive infrastructure project pipeline.
The decision by cabinet has warranted the review of the mandate of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating
Council (PICC) Technical Task Team which has since merged with the Infrastructure and Investment Office in the
Presidency to form what is now referred to as ISA.
AFRICA (ISA) STRATEGIC
To this PLANNING
end, ISA hosted its first SESSION
comprehensive Strategic Planning Session which focussed on providing thought
leadership and strategic thinking and ideas to the ISA team on its mandated areas. ISA invited the Digital Coun-
cil Africa to attend the strategic planning session to add value to the strategic discussion that took place over 2
days.
ent Office in The Presidency would like to extend its sincerest appreciation
made by yourself
Click during
to read the letterthe
fromfirst ever strategic
Dr Kgosientsho planning
Ramokgopa, session
Head: of
Investment and Infrastructure Office, Presidency.
e contribution is instrumental in shaping the thinking and future trajectory
nurtureJuanita participated
a relationship in the Development
of collaboration of the FTTx
and continued sector in
learning South
with youAfrica and Future Prospects discussion.
be in communication in terms of identified synergies and points of
re team, we want to thank you for your ongoing support of this important
ute positively towards the Economic Recovery of South Africa.
cture Office, Presidency
26 April 2021You can also read
